Mar 04, 2013 | cshanks | 1093 views
Muskies OMHA Run Ends in Semi-Finals
The Lindsay Bantam Muskies got knocked out of the All-Ontario Semi-Finals on the weekend with a spirited effort against the Midland Centennials. The team battled hard and the coaching staff was very proud of the effort and battle level but dropped games 2 and 3 by the scores of 8-4 and 5-2.
In Game 2 in Lindsay on Saturday the Muskies played a tremendous first 2 periods and had a lead of 3-2 going into the 3rd. This was despite losing top D-man Riley MacIver early in the game with a bruised foot and top line Centre Caileb Duffy mid-way through the 2nd with a twisted knee. The Muskies fell behind 1-0 but battled back to take a 2-1 lead on goals by Caileb Duffy (assists to Cameron Robinson and Zack Rhodes) and Zack Rhodes (assists to Caileb Duffy and Cameron Robinson). After Midland tied it at 2 Zack Rhodes gave the Muskies the lead back (assists to Garrett Fierheller and Matt Cooke) to send the game to the intermission 3-2.
Without the services of MacIver and Duffy the team was shorthanded and battled hard in the 3rd but just could not contain the strong Midland attack. Midland scored early in the 3rd to tie the game and then some questionable officiating gave the Centennials the opportunity to capitalize with their strong PP as they scored 2 to go up 5-3. The Muskies kept battling however and cut the lead to 5-4 on a goal by Cameron Robinson (assists to Liam Shanks and Curtis Appleton) before Midland was able to put the game away with some late goals to win by a score of 8-4. Midland dominated the 3rd period and the game shots indicated this with Midland holding a 52-16 advantage. Tanner King played a great game in goal earning first star with Zack Rhodes and Liam Shanks also earning stars. Special thanks to AP goalie Domenic Arthurs for subbing in during the game to give Tanner a breather (and making a huge save while he was in there).
In Game 3 on Sunday in Midland the Muskies were again without Riley MacIver and the 4 remaining Defensemen, Garrett Fierheller, Curtis Appleton, Hunter Reedman and Jaryd Lapointe had to step up, which they did tremendously. The team took a 1-0 lead in the 1st with a goal by Caileb Duffy (assists to Zack Rhodes and Cameron Robinson). Midland battled back to tie the game at 1-1 and then mid-way through the 2nd the Muskies again went up 2-1 with a great forecheck by Drake McQuarrie and pass by Dawson Bruce with Matt Cooke netting the goal (assists to Bruce and McQuarrie). However, the Midland speed and attack just kept wearing down the Muskies and Midland took a 4-2 lead into the intermission.
The Muskies had their backs against the wall and battled extremely hard and fought until the end in the 3rd. Dryden Brown and Cody Defreitas, with AP player Riley King, showed the determination and effort that this team had with great shifts and a never say die attitude throughout the 3rd period. However, the Muiskies could not get any closer and the score ended 5-2. Tanner King again stood tall in net as the Muskies were outshot 31-17. 3 stars were Jaryd Lapointe, Drake McQuarrie and Garrett Fierheller.
The coaching staff want to thank the players and parents for a great year and dedication they showed to the team. The improvement and effort the team showed was awesome and hopefully will carry through to the year end tournament from March 22-24 in Mississauga.
We also want to congratulate an excellent Midland team and wish them luck in the All-Ontario OMHA Finals.